Over 39 years ago, just before getting married, a friend gave me this recipe for Chicken Divan, and at this point in my life it would be incredibly difficult to count how many times I have made this fantastic casserole recipe over the years. It has been a family favorite!
According to Wikipedia, Chicken Divan was named after the Divan Parisienne Restaurant in New York City where it was created for a contest their Chef entered. His recipe for a chicken casserole, with broccoli, in a creamy Mornay sauce won the contest and became the restaurant’s signature dish!

I was given the recipe by my friend Elnora when I was getting married so MANY years ago. I worked for Elnora’s husband in the Music Department at the church I attended, and that is how we met. I am so grateful she gifted me with her recipe, because we truly LOVE this dish. The recipe makes a phenomenal tasting casserole that serves 8-10 people, and is VERY easy to prepare!

Here’s how you make this: (by the way… when I took these photos I only made HALF the recipe, which is reflected in the photos).

Before assembling the casserole, cook boneless chicken breasts in boiling water (can add onion, celery, and carrots to water for additional flavoring if desired) until done. Remove and let cool. Once chicken is cool, cut it into bite-size pieces, and set aside.

Spoon or pour the sauce evenly over the top of the casserole, spreading it out, to cover. Generously sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese, then lightly sprinkle with paprika.

Place several small pads of butter on the top of the casserole. Bake casserole, uncovered, in a 350 degree oven for 35-40 minutes, until golden in color, and the cheese sauce is bubbly around edges of pan.

When casserole is done, remove to a hot pad, and let it sit for 5-6 minutes. This will allow the casserole time to firm up a bit (the sauce is VERY hot!).

When ready, serve hot over fluffy rice, and ENJOY this delicious chicken casserole (you’ve got chicken, rice AND broccoli). The leftovers are wonderful, as well.

The chunks of chicken breast taste magnificent with the sauce and broccoli. The bed of rice that it lays on provides a great medium to soak up some of the delicious sauce! It’s SOOOO delicious!

While I know this is not the most “health-conscious” or calorie-conscious meal, I gotta tell ya… sometimes ya just gotta go for it and enjoy a wonderful meal! Everything in moderation, right? Sure hope you will try this recipe… it’s a definite KEEPER!

Easy to prepare, delicious casserole, featuring chicken breast chunks and broccoli, baked in a creamy cheese sauce, and served on a bed of fluffy rice.

As Prepared By: JB at The Grateful Girl Cooks!

Recipe type: Entree - Casserole

Serves: 8-10 servings

Ingredients

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 small packages frozen broccoli spears

2 cans cream of mushroom soup

1 cup mayonnaise

1 carton (8 ounces) sour cream

1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

1 Tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice

1 teaspoon curry powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

Parmesan cheese (fresh grated OR can use "green shaker can")

Paprika (to sprinkle on top of casserole prior to baking)

Butter (enough for small pads of butter on top of casserole)

Rice, prepared according to instructions on package

Directions

Cook chicken breasts in water (enough to cover); bring to a low boil, cook until chicken is done (about 25-30 mins.). See *NOTES. When done, remove chicken from water. Let cool, then cut into bite-sized cubes.

Spray a 9x13 baking pan with non-stick spray. Place thawed broccoli evenly on bottom of baking pan. Sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese. Evenly arrange the chicken pieces over the broccoli. Sprinkle again with Parmesan cheese.

In a medium bowl, fully combine (with a spoon) cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, grated cheddar cheese, lemon juice, curry powder, and salt and pepper (to taste). Pour or spoon sauce evenly over top of casserole. Spread out, to cover entire casserole. Generously sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, then lightly sprinkle with paprika. Dot the top of casserole with small pads of butter.

Bake casserole, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes, until casserole is bubbling all around the edges and is golden brown in color. Remove casserole. Let it sit for 5-6 minutes to allow time to firm up just a bit.

Serve casserole hot over a bed of fluffy rice... and ENJOY!

Notes

Original recipe says to cook chicken with onion, celery & carrots for flavor. I have never done this, but include it in case you wish to do so. The original recipe also said to cook the frozen broccoli, but I find that if I thaw it out completely, then pat it dry, there is no need to cook it.